Swimmers Brave The Cold

Swimmers take the plunge at Brockwell Lido in aid of homeless charity Crisis.

Thousands of swimmers took part in festive swims in lidos across the country over the Christmas period, taking advantage of the comparatively mild winter weather.

Over 110 swimmers and spectators attended the first Christmas Day Swim at Brockwell Lido, where the water temperature was around 7°C at the time of the dip. The swim was organised in aid of local homeless charity Crisis, with all proceeds going towards the charity’s fundraising target.

Sandford Parks Lido in Cheltenham also welcomed swimmers on Christmas Day for the freezing cold festive event that has been going for more than 50 years and in Wales, nearly 250 visitors took to the water at Lido Ponty on Boxing Day.

Meanwhile swimmers in Aldeburgh in Suffolk made use of the warmest sea temperatures in 20 years. Over 100 swimmers were greeted by sunshine, with some 400 spectators on the side lines helping to raise £2,000.